Named Scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be the funds to do so.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 Named Scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. And across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2013 was $35,200.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider establishing a scholarship at The University of Akron. Scholarships can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study. To learn more, please contact Christine Curry in the Department of Development at 330-972-8614 or ccurry@uakron.edu.

Please note: All scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Students interested in applying for a scholarship may visit the Financial Aid webpage, call 330-972-7032, or e-mail finaid@uakron.edu. The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships.

Search for a Named Scholarship

Sibert, Russell D. and Mary Beth Scholarship

The Russell D. and Mary Beth Sibert Scholarship was established in 2005 by Russell D. Sibert, vice president of Board Operations of The University of Akron, and his wife, Mary Beth. In addition to his work with the University’s Board of Trustees, Russell is a steadfast supporter of higher education and believes strongly in its positive impact on individuals and society as a whole. Russell is a 1975 graduate of Garfield High School and seeks to assist students of Garfield High School who, despite being financially disadvantaged, have the drive and initiative necessary to better their life by pursuing a college education.

It is intended that The Russell D. and Mary Beth Sibert Scholarship be awarded annually to graduates from Garfield High School who, upon graduation from high school, matriculate at and attend The University of Akron as full-time students. The award will be made to the student’s financial account held at The University of Akron.

Further, it is intended that each award recipient be selected by a committee made up of Garfield High School faculty and Russell D. Sibert according to the following criteria:

Response to an essay question titled, “Why I Want to Attend The University of Akron.”

Scholarship: It is intended that this scholarship will assist both students with high grade point averages (3.0 GPA and higher) and students with a “C” average (2.0 GPA and higher).

Recipients are permitted to received the awards multiple years as full-time students at The University of Akron but are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and higher to qualify for repeat awards. Applicants who have been enrolled full time for more than five years are not eligible.

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Note for students interested in applying for a scholarship: The Department of Development at The University of Akron does not accept applications for, or distribute, scholarships.